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Murdock Newsletter
June 3, 2009
Inspiration
No! How could this have happened again?!? was my first thought as Lauren showed me the text message about Jake Ita being killed in a car crash in Kearney.
The first thought that came to me was: "In the world there will be trouble but be of good cheer, I have overcome the world"
As I began to ask God why this has happened again, I felt convicted of my question to Him. I felt like He was strongly prompting me to pray and to quit asking Him questions… so I did. I prayed for a very long time asking God for His grace and His mercy that He promises us to be new every morning to be abundant for every person who is being touched by this devastating tragedy. I prayed for Him to give each one the ability to rely on His strength and for their burdens to be light. He tells us that His yoke is easy and His burdens are light.
I thought, "This doesn't feel very light!" He said, "That's because you haven't given it to me. Release it. Don't carry it yourself. Do what I encourage you to do and pray. I will take care of the rest."
I pray for God's healing power to touch Marty and to bring a quick recovery to her body. I pray for comfort and love to come to their family. I pray for clarity and wisdom to come to Kris as she has so many decisions to make and so much responsibility to take care of. I pray for A.J. that she has peace and would not be consumed with grief and sorrow, but that she would be comforted. I pray for Matt and Missy and for the grandparents and cousins and aunts and uncles and friends and anyone who needs the love and the comfort of God to touch them to be touched by Him.
I began to ponder the character of God-His compassion and His love. His holiness, awesomeness, and infinite greatness. I feel like when tragedy hits, that is when I need to consciously be aware of His goodness and His stability, His strength and His comfort. He promises us He will never leave us or forsake us and that when we are weak that He will give us strength. And though there will be sorrow, that it will only last for a night and joy WILL COME in the morning. I can only trust and rely on the truth because my mind cannot understand why. I can't get through this on my own. So I try not to go there, but try to hear God's voice and listen to what He would have me to do now. What part do I play in this? What can I do to help whomever it is He places in my path? It might be to just give a hug or a smile or a card or even a cup of cold water, but whatever it is, I know that He will also give me the ability to do it.
Our community has had to endure and suffer loss more than I can even believe. I believe Tony Synovec is so right when he said how much closer it brings us together. Once again, I am amazed at how our community pulls together, encourages one another, and each one does their part to help each other get through the day… or the hour… or even the next second.
I so badly wanted to be able to help in some way. I looked back at the newsletter I wrote a little over 7 months ago and found:
"As I thought about what to do this week for the newsletter, so many things went through my mind. I wanted to comfort the families of Tyler, A.J., and Dillon. I wanted to comfort the community members who are in such tremendous grief. I wanted to give an answer as to how this could have happened. I also wanted to defend God to those who are doubting His goodness. I wanted to answer the questions of “Why?” and “How could a good God have allowed this to happen?” “Hasn't our community gone through enough?”
The problem is I can't do any of that. I don't know how. I don't know the answers to the questions and I'm not able to make it better, go away, or fix it as I so badly want to. I'm telling you all this, because I think it is the feelings of the whole community and I want you to know that you're not alone in your pain and your suffering.
I've heard the words, “I just don't know what to do” and seen “idk” (I don't know) in so many of the text messages I've received over the last few days. They are words I've spoken repeatedly myself. I was at such a loss on how to comfort my kids as they received the phone call about the death of their friends. I do know the One who knows though… and I trust Him.
I trust that, as Pastor Kuhlman's sign says: Jesus prays for His church, that Jesus REALLY is praying for us. He knows our hearts and the pain that are in them. He stores up our many tears that have been shed. Allow Him to comfort you in the way that only He can. I do know that He knows the beginning from the end. He has the whole book when we can only see one page.
I read a book called, “The God Questions” that had a couple of quotes that made sense to me. I hope they help you: “For God to try to explain the kinds of things Job wants explained would be like Einstein explaining relativity to a Littleneck Clam.” And Philip Yancey puts it: “Maybe sometimes God keeps us in the dark about ‘why' not so much because He wants to keep us in the dark, as because He knows we are incapable of absorbing so much light.”
It also said, “When I hurt, I don't want logic, because I'm too numb to care that God is all-knowing and all-powerful. But I am touched by His love, a love that is so genuine it chose to suffer for me. I can respond to a God like that. The answer we need is God's compassion. For most people who have been deeply wounded, knowing that there are intellectual answers, like the problem of free will, helps us a little. But experiencing His compassion through the love of Christ AND THE COMMUNITY of others heals us a lot.”
I put ‘AND THE COMMUNITY' in bold letters not to minimize experiencing compassion through the love of Jesus, but because I thought it is so awesome that that is the exact thing that this community does. We pull together, set aside our differences, and help each other. Even if the only thing we have to offer is a smile, a hug, or a tear. We all do what we can and give what we have. I haven't run across ANYONE who has an attitude that “well, this is too big for me. What can I do that's going to make a difference?” When we all pull together and give that one smile, that one haircut, that one meal, that one visit, that one card in the mail, that one hug, that one word of encouragement, that one gift card, that one prayer; it adds up to a whole lot! I believe it could be called: The heart of the Elmwood-Murdock Community.
As we have all experienced, this has been a proven success. We know that it works. Just off the top of my head I've thought of the Stocks, Duane's grandchild, Mary's husband, Angie's benefit, the evening of the Football Fish Fry over five years ago, farming accidents (don't forget to pray for our farmers as they bring in the rest of the crops or in this case-get their crops planted); I could go on and on of different surgeries and illnesses that have taken hairdressers to the hospital to fix the hair of a community member of Elmwood-Murdock. Meals that have been prepared for those in hardship.
And it's not just in the bad times that this community pulls together. Look at the turnout of the Waffleman fundraiser. I am STILL in complete awe of the atmosphere during the State Basketball Playoffs last year. People I didn't know came up to me to talk about their grandkids and NOT the one's playing in the game either. It was as if everyone knew everyone. The peace and the joy and the excitement blew me away!
When I was in such confusion, I called my pastor to ask him what I should do. He said, “There's not a whole lot you can do. This is part of life.” I thought to myself, “Well that's pretty harsh.” But after my thoughts cleared a little the next day I realized that he was right. Death is part of life even when we don't understand and it's unfair and it's someone so young and someone so close to us.
He also told me, “You can pray with your kids and pray for them.” So that is what I've been doing. And I've been praying for YOU too. Each and every one of you. Some of you I don't even know, but God knows you and even though I don't call you by name, He knows you by name. He knows how many hairs you have on your head. He knew you before you were even formed in your mother's womb. He sees your pain. He hears your crying. He loves you. I know God hears our prayers. He has so much more compassion, love, comfort, peace, understanding, kindness, wisdom, and help than I could ever offer so I'm praying that He helps me see what I can do, gives me the strength to do it, and then I pray that He does the rest and I know that He will.
“I, even I, am he who comforts you.” Isaiah 51:12
God bless each and every one of you!
What's Happening Around Our Community
Sponsor FOUND!
Thanks so much to Brian McHugh and the Corngrowers State Bank for sponsoring the Murdock Website! His generosity will allow the site to continue.
2009 Nebraska State Track Meet
• Received Silver in the boys 4x800 got 3rd place (Tyler Schmale, Jon Luetchens, Lance Steffen, Sam Burtch)
• Received Gold in the boys 4x400 got 1st place (Lance Steffen, Nathan Hohman, Jon Luetchens, Sam Burtch)
• Sam Burtch got 2nd place in the open 400 and received a Silver Medal!
Congratulations to the Elmwood-Murdock track team for such an outstanding performance at the State Competition!
The 1 st Annual Tyler Eggert Baseball Memorial Tournament
will be held on Saturday, June 27, 2009, at the Elmwood and Murdock baseball fields . We hope to have eight teams sign up for the day with a guarantee of each team getting to play at least three games. We are going to have t-shirts made for all of the ball players that participate. We are currently seeking out sponsors for the event. As a sponsor, your company name and logo will be on the programs and on the t-shirts. We need to get a commitment from our sponsors by June 10 in order to have plenty of time to get the shirts ordered. We are looking for sponsors willing to contribute cash of $100, $250, or $500 or contribute food items for the concession stands that will be open (I can provide a list if you are interested in this option). Other suggestions are welcome. If you would like to set up a display for your business at either or both ballparks on that day, you are more than welcome to do so. All net proceeds from this event will be donated to the batting cages that are being constructed at the Murdock ball field in the memory of Tyler and Dillon.
Please let me know if you are interested. Also, if you know anyone that would be interested in being a sponsor for this event, please pass along this email. Please send me your company name and logo as soon as possible so that we can get the layout complete on the programs and on the t-shirts.
Thank you so very much for your consideration! Annette
Tyler and Dillon were honored last Saturday as their family members were presented with Dillon and Tyler's jerseys and a signed baseball. Both items were placed in a framed case to be given to the families.
Cast of "Over the Tavern." Front row, Cheryl Grimshaw, Virginia Howe Kincaid and Lizzy Pegler. Back row, Kevin Holdorf, Tucker Flodman, Bill Hayes and Evan Wooten
Lofte Theatre Begins 33rd Season
The Lofte Community Theatre near Manley is proud to begin its 33rd season with Tom Dudzik's family drama, "Over the Tavern." The story is set in the Eisenhower years of 1950s America. However, life is far from idyllic for the Pazinski family of Buffalo, New York. They live in a cramped apartment above the tavern owned and ran by their father. The youngest of the Pazinski family, 12 year-old Rudy, decides that he's had it with traditional family values and those of the Roman Catholic church. When he announces to his already stressed family and the ruler-wielding nun, Sister Clarissa, that he wants to look around for a more "fun" religion, all hell breaks loose.
While "Over the Tavern" does have some hilariously funny moments, it is truly a sentimental look at families, growing up and God. It's a great script that is sure to both entertain and cause audience members to reflect on their own adolescent experiences.
Performance Dates are May 29-31, June 5-7 and 11-14. Showtimes are 7:30pm Thursday-Saturday and 2:00pm on Sundays. General admission tickets can be purchased for $16 either on-line or by contacting the box office at (402) 234-2553 . However, if you are still thinking about purchasing season tickets, now is the time. Season passes (for the 5 regular season shows) may be purchased for $60 which equals $12 per show. This is an overall savings of $20 for the entire season. The season package pricing is only available through June 14th.
School Garage Sale Items
Sale will be held on June 13, 2009 from 8-4, unless otherwise directed in description, at both Elmwood and Murdock. School furniture, desks, chairs, tables, stand-alone desks, bookcases, office furniture, kitchen equipment, library furniture, and much more.
Visit www.elm.esu3.org to view sample pictures of items.
Eagle Garage Sales!
Eagle Garage Sales are almost here! They are always the held the first full weekend in June. This year the dates are June 6 and 7. It's just $2.00 to register your garage sale. This puts your address on the map that is delivered to every house registered to be posted those days. It also helps pay for the advertisement of the garage sales. Last but not least it allows you to place your unwanted items at your curb Sunday to be picked up by Bits and Pieces of Elmwood. This is a great opportunity to have a successful garage sale. The area garage sales are very popular and Eagle is lucky to have a good following of people just waiting for the first weekend in June to come around! I will try and have the registration on here to be downloaded and printed out at your convenience. Otherwise, they can be found at Eagle State Bank, Lou's Grocery, The One Eyed Dog, American Exchange Bank, Kabredlos, Casey's and Corner Cafe.
click here to print a flier
Saddle Up for Springfield Days will be held June 12 & 13. Mark for calendars and be sure to join in all the fun! For a look at what will be happening, check on the Springfield website under “Calendar”, click on “Events” to find Springfield Days 2009.
MURRAY CHRISTIAN CHURCH VACATION BIBLE SCHOOL
June 8-12
http://www.groupvbs.com/webtoybox/myvbs/murray
The 'Power Team' will be here June 17-21.
Check out a clip of this powerful, inspiring show at www.thepowerteam.com
For more info from Murray Christian Church, check out our website at: http://home.windstream.net/church2527/MCC.htm
Fishing Buddies Program
Would you like to learn how to fish? Is there a child or adult that you would like to learn to fish with? Here is the perfect opportunity for people who want to learn to fish or who need to relearn the basics.
This 6-session program is designed for child and adult pairs who have little to no fishing experience and would like to learn to fish. Youth ages 6-12 years old are invited to develop fishing skills and knowledge with an adult mentor (limit of 2 kids per mentor/buddy).
The sessions will meet on Monday evenings from 6-8pm at the Ak-Sar-Ben Aquarium for the first 3 meetings. The last 3 meetings will move to a local lake for on the water experience. Fishing handouts, bait and equipment will be available for participants to use during the program. Session dates are June 15, June 22, June 29, July 13, July 20, and July 27.
Pre-registration is required as well as a $20 check per child to reserve your spot. This check will be returned upon completion of the program. Spaces are limited and your registration must be received by June 8, 2009.
Fishing Buddies Registration
Adult Mentor
First & Last Name: _________________________________________________
Address: _________________________________________________________
Phone Number: ___________________________________________________
Email: ___________________________________________________________
Child Participant
First & Last Name: _________________________________________________
Address (if different from mentor): _____________________________________
Phone Number (if different from mentor): _______________________________
Age: _________
Child Participant
First & Last Name: _________________________________________________
Address (if different from mentor): _____________________________________
Phone Number (if different from mentor): _______________________________
Age: ________
Return this form by June 8, 2009 with a $20 deposit check (per child participant) payable to Nebraska Game & Parks and send to:
Ak-Sar-Ben Aquarium
Attn: Andrea
21502 W. Hwy 31
Gretna, NE 68028
Flying Wheels Summer Hours!
Flying Wheels will be open on Tuesday and Thursday afternoons 1:00 – 4:00 starting on May 26th. Tuesdays will be skating and the regular games. Thursday there may be an extra activity.
Stay tuned to our website for more details! We will also be open on Saturday mornings for awhile…everyone is just too busy to come skating. We will post it on the website when we will start closing on Saturday mornings. Saturday nights though…we will be open! 6:30 to 10:30 as usual. There will be a couple times in the summer when we will be closed on Saturdays but we will post those dates on signs and on the website. Sundays we will probably be open one Sunday a month. Again, everyone is just so busy! It will be posted on our website! www.flyingwheelsrocks.com
Summer Enrichment Opportunity !
Who: Any child entering K-6 this fall
What: Tailored Activities for Your Child's Interests & Needs
Where: We will meet at The Elmwood Public Library
When: Sessions Every Thursday, All Summer Long*
*(Other sessions may be available by appt.) Cost: $10 Per Session (1 hour)
Sessions taught By Keri Hogue
Certified Teacher In Elementary Education, Early Childhood Education, Special Education
*Help in Maintaining Skills *One-on-One Instruction *Work on Summer Packets
*Hands-on Learning *Explore your Child's Interests
Questions ? Please Call! 994-2422
FREE ADVERTISING! 
Yes, you can place a FREE classified ad right here at www.murdocknebraska.com !
Just click on the 'Classified Ads' tab at the top of the page, then click 'Post an Event / Classified Ad' and fill in the information. You can even add a photo and all for NO CHARGE!
BAGWORMS!
I was talking to Jeanie Reinke last week and Bob from Mahoney State Park about these bagworms. Then I found this information on the Avoca website. Take a look! If you have evergreen trees on your property, especially junipers, spruce trees, or cedar trees, you probably have these interesting but worrisome "pods" on your trees. They are bagworms, and they've become particularly common in the last year or two. We have them, and as instructed by the fine folks on Backyard Farmer last season, we recently pulled some of the bags off and put them in a plastic bag to watch for signs of hatching. Well, they started hatching, so I went online to find out what to do next. The following is from the University of Nebraska's website, dated May 22, 2009. Click here to view the page.
Weeping Water Pool Now Open!
2009 ADMISSION PRICES:
Family Season Pass--$125
Single Season Pass--$75
10 Card Punch--$35
Daily Admission--$4.00
Plans are being finalized to provide a designated time for Senior Citizen Swimming, Water Aerobics, and a Family Night. Anyone interested in teaching Water Aerobics should contact Stacy Bickford @ 267-7385 or Linda Twomey @ 267-5179. Salary will be negotiated based upon experience.
Hours of pool operation to be announced at a later date. Contact the pool office at 267-7755 for pool parties, swimming lessons, and other questions.
Weekly Winner
Tony Synovec of Murdock
Website of the Week
www.knchautauqua.org
“Bright Dreams, Hard Times”
America in the Thirties
June 24-28 • Plattsmouth, NE
Something for Everyone!
• Adult/Children Workshops
• Food/Music
• Historic Homes Tour
• Church Service
• Antique Machinery
• Quilt Show
• Will Rogers
• Franklin Delano Roosevelt
• Zora Neale Hurston
• Huey Long
• Aimee Semple McPherson
Tent shows nightly at Rhylander Park
www.plattsmouthchamber.com • www.knchautauqua.org • 402-298-8209
Take a step back in time to the 1930s each evening, as historical figures -
FDR, Huey Long, Will Rogers, Aimee Semple McPherson and Zora Neale
Hurston - take the stage to share their bright dreams with the audience.
Also available: Youth Chautauqua Day Camp and performances; 1930's
Live Radio Show; Dust Bowl Photography Exhibit; and much more!
www.plattsmouthchamber.com • www.knchautauqua.org • 402-298-8209
Funded in part by Cass County Tourism
News to the Editor
- Please send all your Murdock area news to me. Birthdays, anniversaries, announcements, events or news are welcome and will be added to the upcoming newsletter. Thanks in advance for all your help!
Teri Bowman
Editor@murdocknebraska.com
